Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona will be getting a huge boost going into the business end of the La Liga 2015-16 if they get all the three points against Getafe in their 29th league game of the season, Saturday, at Camp Nou. Barca are currently eight points ahead of Atletico Madrid, placed second in the table.
Barca have been on a sensational run this season, winning 23 games so far and losing just two in the Spanish top flight this season. They have won all 11 of their last La Liga fixtures and look in a menacing form.
Getafe, who are one of the relegation contenders this season, have little to no chance at all against this formidable Barcelona side under Luis Enrique.
However, everyone will be keen on seeing the Madrid-based side put up a good fight against the star-studded Barcelona team. The likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. are available for the game, but Javier Mascherano (suspension) and Sandro Ramirez (injury) will not be a part of the match for Barca.
"We are only thinking about the three points against Getafe, which will leave us closer to our objective of winning the league," Barcelona website quoted Barca coach Enrique as saying during the pre-match press conference.
"Never give up" is the stance taken by Getafe manager Fran Escriba ahead of the game. The Spanish coach knows there is not much of a chance for his side to get a good result against the defending La Liga champions but there is something which he can rely on -- willingness to fight.
"We want to go in there and do things as best we can. We know we're up against an outstanding team, but we're not going to give up," Escriba said.
Defender Alvaro Vazquez and Cala as well as midfielder Pablo Sarabia will not be available to take part in the game for Getafe, as they are suspended.
Previous meeting this season: Getafe 0-2 Barcelona (Neymar, Suarez).
Possible starting XI
Barcelona: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Roberto, Arda, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar.
Getafe: Guaita; Buendia, Velazquez, Vergini, Pereira; Medran, Lacen, Rodriguez; Rodriguez, Scepovic, Yoda.
Where to watch live
Barcelona vs Getafe is scheduled to kick-off March 12 at 3 p.m. GMT (8:30 p.m. IST, 10 a.m. ET).
In India, viewers can catch the game on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD. Online streaming will be available on SonyLiv.
In the US, viewers can catch the game on beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Espanol and Fubo TV. Online streaming will be available on beIN Sports Connect.
In Spain, viewers can catch the game on Canal+ Liga/HD and Abono Futbol. Online streaming will be available on Movistar TV.
In the UK and Ireland, there will be no live coverage of the game. However, Radio Barca will have live commentary of the game.
The live scores of the game will be available on the official Twitter handle of FC Barcelona.
